Composition containing urea for use in brine formation

ABSTRACT

A composition for use in brine formation comprising a deliquescent desiccant, urea, and an optional component selected from the group consisting of starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, and a combination thereof. Methods of making and using the composition are provided. The composition may be pressed into tablet form. The composition may be used in a dehumidifying device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/571,825, filed on Oct. 13, 2017, in the United StatesPatent and Trademark Office. The disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composition for use in brineformation and a dehumidifying device having the composition therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Atmospheric water vapor in high humidity environments can be problematicto personal articles, clothing for example, and other items which aresusceptible to corrosion, mold, mildew, and other types of water relateddamage and deterioration. Also, the interior of vehicles, boats andairplanes that are subjected to wet and humid weather conditions candevelop odors as well as mildew and mold, and can rot from constantexposure to humid air. Homes with poor sealing, especially in rainyclimates are especially vulnerable to damage caused by humidity. Forthese reasons the consumer desires dehumidifying products that will actquickly to remove moisture fast when they are experiencing immediatemoisture threats from large storms and flooding, and products that willlast a long time when they are trying to maintain a healthy humiditylevel for storage of items.

One of the most common chemistries used in deliquescent dehumidifyingdevices is calcium chloride (CaCl₂)). Devices on the market today have acouple of different designs of using calcium chloride to extract themoisture from the air.

One of the most common devices on the market includes a basket andreservoir design. In this design the consumer will dump a bag of flakeor pelleted calcium chloride into a porous basket. As the calciumchloride absorbs moisture, it turns into liquid brine and will drain andcollect into a basin which is underneath the basket. At the end of thelife of the product, the consumer dumps the brine out of the bottomreservoir and refills the basket with more calcium chloride. One of theissues that consumers might experience with these devices is when thetemperature or high humidity conditions drop within their house. Thiscan cause the liquid brine to start to recrystallize and cause “icicles”to form on the basket which can clog the pores which allow drainage.This could lead to product overflow when humidity and temperatures jumpto higher levels. It can also make the brine that has been collected inthe bottom reservoir turn into a solid calcium chloride brick. Thismakes it very inconvenient for the consumer to dump out and reuse theplastic housing.

Another common device on the market includes calcium chloride beingplaced inside a sealed bag. These bags typically have a moisture barrierbuilt into the design which allows humidity to enter inside the bag andbe absorbed by the calcium chloride contained within the bag. These bagscan have a single compartment design where pelleted, flaked, or granularcalcium chloride will absorb moisture and turn into a brine puddle inthe same single compartment or can be in a multi-cavity bag design whereone compartment containing a moisture barrier contains the pelleted orflaked calcium chloride and the other compartment acts as a basin andcollects the liquid brine as it is formed. In both single compartmentand double compartment designs, brine can once again recrystallize atlower temperature and humidity conditions and form sharp edges which canpuncture a bag thereby creating a leak. Another problem seen in a singlecompartment design is when it is placed in high humidity setting for along-time period the brine can continue to absorb moisture andcontinuously expand in volume to a point where it can balloon the bagand cause it to leak. This is due to the fact that 1 lb. of 77% activecalcium chloride can absorb up to 14 lb. of water at 95% humidity.

Another common device on the market uses pressed calcium chloridetablets. These device designs are very similar to the porous basket overbasin design but consist of a top portion with a single larger drainageport instead of a porous basket. In this design the consumer puts thecalcium chloride tablet into the top portion and it would once againdrain into a basin. The same issues are seen in this design where whenthe temperature or high humidity conditions drop within their house theliquid brine starts to recrystallize and block the drainage port tocause overflow outside of the unit.

In addition to designs that prevent leakage and spillage, consumersdesire fast acting brine formation. Consumers want to see theirdesiccants working quickly because it gives them confidence that theirproduct is working quickly to remove excess moisture from their home.Consumers also prefer that their dehumidifying product last a long timeto give them long term humidity protection.

Thus, there is a need for new deliquescent desiccant compositions,alternative forms for the compositions, and dehumidifying devices foruse with such deliquescent desiccant compositions that address the aboveneeds and concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition for use in brineformation comprises a deliquescent desiccant such as calcium chloride(CaCl₂) and one or more components that interact with calcium chlorideand enhance the rate at which calcium chloride turns from a solid stateinto a liquid state (brine). The composition is preferably a mixture ofsolid components. Other deliquescent desiccants that may be used in thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, magnesium chloride,potassium chloride, lithium chloride, and a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition for use in brineformation comprises a deliquescent desiccant such as calcium chloride(CaCl₂) and urea with one or more optional components that interact withcalcium chloride and enhance the rate at which calcium chloride turnsfrom a solid state into a liquid state (brine). The composition ispreferably a mixture of solid components.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition comprising adeliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the groupconsisting of urea, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, and acombination thereof is provided.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition comprising adeliquescent desiccant, urea, and an optional component selected fromthe group consisting of starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, and acombination thereof is provided.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition comprising calciumchloride and a component selected from the group consisting of urea,starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, and a combination thereof isprovided.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition comprising calciumchloride, urea, and an optional component selected from the groupconsisting of starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, and a combinationthereof is provided.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of using the compositioncomprises adding the composition in a dehumidifying device to increaserate of brine formation and/or prevent brine from recrystallizing withdecreasing humidity conditions is provided. A dehumidifying device maytake many forms including, but not limited to, a bag, a pouch, basket,tablet, among others.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of making a compositioncomprising combining a tablet comprising a deliquescent desiccant and acomponent selected from the group consisting of urea, sodium citrate,starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and/or other carbohydrates, and acombination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, a tablet comprising a deliquescentdesiccant, urea, and an optional component selected from the groupconsisting of sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, othercarbohydrates, and a combination thereof is provided.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of making a compositioncomprising combining a tablet comprising a deliquescent desiccant and acomponent selected from the group consisting of urea, sodium citrate,starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and/or other carbohydrates, and acombination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of making a compositioncomprising combining a tablet comprising a deliquescent desiccant, urea,and an optional component selected from the group consisting of sodiumcitrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose and/or other carbohydrates,and a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, a dehumidifying device comprising adeliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the groupconsisting of urea, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucoseand/or other carbohydrates, and a combination thereof is provided.

In an embodiment of the invention, a dehumidifying device comprising adeliquescent desiccant, urea, and an optional component selected fromthe group consisting of sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay,glucose and/or other carbohydrates, and a combination thereof isprovided.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a multi-compartment hanging bag.

FIG. 2 is a graph depicting the benefit of faster brine formation fromadding urea to flake calcium chloride desiccant. The weight of separatecompartments (basin, where brine is collected versus basket, originalplacement of solid product) of a container are compared.

FIG. 3 is a graph depicting the change in slope versus time in daysfurther illustrating the benefit of faster brine formation from addingurea and low levels of clay to flake calcium chloride desiccant.

FIG. 4 is a graph depicting the benefits of the presence of starch,citric acid, and urea in increasing initial brine formation in a basketand reservoir system.

FIG. 5 is a graph depicting the benefits resulting from the ability ofstarch, citric acid, and urea to initially decrease the amount ofcalcium chloride in the basket of a two compartment system and startforming brine faster.

FIG. 6 is a graph depicting the slope versus the change in time furtherillustrating the benefit of faster brine formation from adding urea andcitric acid to the calcium chloride flake desiccant.

FIG. 7 is a graph depicting extended evidence of the benefits in thepresence of starch, citric acid, urea, and glucose in the initialformation of brine over pure calcium chloride alone.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are graphs from an evaluation of calcium chloridetablets containing starch in 80% humidity chamber depicting starch in acompressed tablet lasting longer than a pure calcium chloride tablet.

FIG. 9 is a graph of percent weight in liquid brine versus percent CaCl₂of the DampRid FG01.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the embodiments of the present invention ismerely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit theinvention, its application, or uses. The present invention has broadpotential application and utility. The following description is providedherein solely by way of example for purposes of providing an enablingdisclosure of the invention, but does not limit the scope or substanceof the invention.

Compositions

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition to increase the rate ofbrine formation is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, thecomposition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and urea (also known ascarbamide), consists essentially of a deliquescent desiccant and urea(also known as carbamide), or consists of a deliquescent desiccant andurea (also known as carbamide). The deliquescent desiccant is calciumchloride, and calcium chloride is present in an amount greater than 20weight percent of the composition, preferably greater than 30 weightpercent of the composition. The composition comprising calcium chlorideand urea is effective for increasing the rate of brine formation. Thecomposition can be in the form of a granular, a pellet, a powder, or aflake mixture. The composition can also be in the form of a compressedtablet comprising calcium chloride and urea.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprises adeliquescent desiccant and urea, wherein the urea is present in thecomposition in an amount of up to 50 weight percent, preferably about 1weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprisescalcium chloride and urea, wherein the urea is present in thecomposition in an amount of up to 50 weight percent, preferably about 1weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the composition.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprises adeliquescent desiccant, calcium chloride, and a component selected fromthe group consisting of urea, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay,glucose, other carbohydrates, and a combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition to increase the rate ofbrine formation is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, thecomposition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and citric acid, consistsessentially of a deliquescent desiccant and citric acid, or consists ofa deliquescent desiccant and citric acid. The deliquescent desiccant iscalcium chloride, and calcium chloride is present in an amount greaterthan 20 weight percent of the composition, preferably greater than 30weight % of the composition. The composition is effective for increasingthe rate of brine formation. The composition is in the form of agranular mixture, a pellet, a flake, or a powder mixture. Thecomposition can also be in the form of a compressed tablet comprisingcalcium chloride and citric acid.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition to increase the rate ofbrine formation is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, thecomposition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and sodium citrate,consists essentially of a deliquescent desiccant and sodium citrate, orconsists of a deliquescent desiccant and sodium citrate. Thedeliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride, and calcium chloride ispresent in an amount greater than 20 weight percent of the composition,preferably greater than 30 weight percent of the composition. Thecomposition is effective for increasing the rate of brine formation. Thecomposition is in the form of a granular mixture, a pellet, a flake, ora powder mixture. The composition can also be in the form of acompressed tablet comprising calcium chloride and sodium citrate.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition to increase the rate ofbrine formation is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, thecomposition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and starch, consistsessentially of a deliquescent desiccant and starch, or consists of adeliquescent desiccant and starch. The deliquescent desiccant is calciumchloride, and calcium chloride is present in an amount greater than 20weight percent of the composition, preferably greater than 30 weightpercent of the composition. The composition is effective for increasingthe rate of brine formation at lower amounts such as 1% to 10% by weightof starch. The composition can be in the form of a granular mixture, apellet, a flake, or a powder mixture.

In an embodiment of the invention, a composition to increase the rate ofbrine formation is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, thecomposition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and lower levels of clay,consists essentially of a deliquescent desiccant and lower levels ofclay, or consists of a deliquescent desiccant and lower levels such as1% to 10% by weight of clay. The deliquescent desiccant is calciumchloride, and calcium chloride is present in an amount greater than 20weight percent of the composition, preferably greater than 30 weightpercent of the composition. The composition is effective for increasingthe rate of brine formation. The composition can be in the form of agranular mixture, a pellet, a flake, or a powder mixture. Thecomposition can also be in the form of a compressed tablet comprisingcalcium chloride and clay.

In another embodiment of the invention, a composition to increase therate of brine formation is provided. In accordance with certainembodiments, the composition comprises a deliquescent desiccant and acomponent selected from the group consisting of starch, citric acid,clay, urea, and a combination thereof, consists essentially of adeliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the groupconsisting of starch, citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea, glucoseand/or other carbohydrates, and a combination thereof, or consists of adeliquescent desiccant and a component selected from the groupconsisting of starch, citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea, glucoseand/or other carbohydrates, and a combination thereof. Preferably, thedeliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride. The composition is effectivefor increasing the rate of brine formation. The composition can be inthe form of a granular mixture, a pellet, a flake mixture, or a powder.The composition can also be in the form of a compressed tabletcomprising calcium chloride and a component selected from the groupconsisting of citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea, glucose and/orother carbohydrates, and a combination thereof.

Fragrance, carbohydrate encapsulated fragrance, and fragrance beads aswell as other additives may be optionally added to any of the abovecompositions.

Methods of Using

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of using urea to increasethe rate of brine creation from calcium chloride is provided. The methodcomprises adding urea to calcium chloride. For example, calcium chloridecan be used that is 77% active. The weight percent of urea may varydepending upon the calcium chloride activity level. Calcium chloridehaving a different percentage active is contemplated and still withinthe scope of the present invention.

Among the advantages in the use of urea are that urea helps calciumchloride form into brine faster, and urea prevents liquid calciumchloride brine from recrystallizing with decreasing humidity conditions.Assisting calcium chloride to form into brine faster is even moreimportant in pouches that contain less Tyvek surface area to allowmoisture to come through. It is desirable to prevent brine fromrecrystallizing in a pouch than can potentially puncture or rupture thepouch with its sharp ends.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of using citric acid toincrease the rate of brine creation from calcium chloride is provided.The method comprises adding citric acid to calcium chloride. Forexample, calcium chloride can be used that is 77% active. Calciumchloride having a different percentage active is contemplated and stillwithin the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the methodcomprises adding citric acid to calcium chloride.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of using starch to increasethe rate of brine formation at lower amounts of starch is provided. Themethod comprises adding starch to calcium chloride. Preferably, themethod comprises adding starch to calcium chloride in a lower amountsuch as 1% to 10% by weight of starch.

Among the advantages in the use of starch are that starch helps calciumchloride form into brine faster when a lower amount such as 1% to 10% byweight of starch is used, starch slows down the absorption of humidityby a liquid brine solution at higher amounts such as 10% to 50% byweight of starch, and that starch used in a higher amount such as 10% to50% by weight when combined with liquid brine is advantageous to reduceleaks from a pouch and to slow down rate of absorption from theatmosphere. Humidity is a quantity representing the amount of watervapor in the atmosphere.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of using clay to increasethe rate of brine creation from calcium chloride is provided.Preferably, the method comprises adding clay to calcium chloride in anamount of about 1 weight % to about 10 weight % of clay based on theweight of the total composition.

Among the advantages in the use of clay are that clay helps calciumchloride to form into brine faster when a lower amount of clay is used,clay offers leak protection, and clay does not allow brine solution topass through small holes or seals in a pouch or other container.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method of using a componentselected from the group consisting of starch, citric acid, clay, sodiumcitrate, urea, glucose and/or other carbohydrates, and a combinationthereof, to increase the rate of brine creation from calcium chloride isprovided. The method comprises adding a component selected from thegroup consisting of starch, citric acid, clay, sodium citrate, urea,glucose and/or other carbohydrates, and a combination thereof, tocalcium chloride. For example, calcium chloride can be used that is 77%active. Calcium chloride having a different percentage active iscontemplated and still within the scope of the present invention.

Tablets

In another embodiment of the invention, a tablet is provided wherein thetablet is comprised of a deliquescent desiccant and a component selectedfrom the group consisting of urea, clay, sodium citrate, starch, citricacid, glucose and/or other carbohydrates, and a combination thereof.Preferably, the desiccant is calcium chloride. Starting calciumchloride, for example, may be in the form of a granular mixture, flake,pellet, or powder mixture. It may also be in the form of a heterogeneousmixture of the above.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method of making a tablet isprovided. Additives are preferred in powder, pellet or other solid form.The method comprises combining a deliquescent desiccant, preferablycalcium chloride, and a component selected from the group consisting ofurea, clay, sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, glucose and/or othercarbohydrates, magnesium stearate, and a combination thereof, to form aheterogeneous mixture; and pressing the heterogeneous mixture in theform of a tablet. Other deliquescent desiccants that may be used in thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, magnesium chloride,potassium chloride, lithium chloride, and a combination thereof.Contemplation of other additives for optimal tablet pressing is stillwithin the scope of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, pressed calcium chloride tablet(s)that comprise starch encapsulated fragrance are combined with agranular, pelleted, powder, or flaked calcium chloride heterogeneousmixture. Alternatively, the pressed calcium chloride tablet(s)containing starch encapsulated fragrance may be shattered into smallerpieces of compressed material and included in such a mixture. Thepressed calcium chloride tablet(s) could also be used in combinationwith PEG fragrance beads to achieve an optimal fragrance experience.This composition and method would allow for longer lasting fragrance andcomplete dissolution of the tablet.

In regard to tablet size, the terms “small” and “smaller” and “large”and “larger” are relative terms to one another. The actual dimensions ofsuch tablets may vary but still be within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, small may refer to tablets having approximateweights of 1 gram to 150 grams. For example, large tablets may refer totablets having approximate weights of greater than 150 grams up to 1,000grams. It can be conceived that the tablets may be comprised ofdifferent shapes, but are preferably circular.

Dehumidifying Devices

In an embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidifying device suchas a pouch, a hanging bag, or a container is provided. The dehumidifyingdevice comprises a deliquescent desiccant and a component selected fromthe group consisting of urea, sodium citrate, clay, starch, citric acid,glucose and/or other carbohydrates, and a combination thereof.Preferably, the deliquescent desiccant is calcium chloride. It isconceived that fragrance, fragrance tablets, or fragrance beads couldalso be included in the mixture.

In an embodiment of the invention, a single cavity dehumidifying device(that can hold 750 ml of water) comprises 10.5 oz. of a composition in aform of a solid mixture having 50 to 80 weight % of CaCl₂ (which is 77%active), 15 to 50 weight % of starch, 3 to 20 weight % of urea, and 0 to10 weight % of fragrance or fragrance beads or fragrance tablets,wherein the weight percent is based on the total weight of the solidmixture. The mixture may optionally comprise other components and/oradditives. Pouches, bags, or containers having other volumes arecontemplated and still within the scope of the present invention.Calcium chloride having a different percentage active is contemplatedand still within the scope of the present invention.

For example, urea (Univar, pellet, 46% nitrogen) is used in thedehumidifying device to create brine faster, and the starch is used toslow down the rate of absorption when it has reached the 100% brinestate. Urea has also surprisingly been found to eliminate the formationof stalagmites after the brine state.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a two-compartment hanging bagis provided. The two-compartment hanging bag comprises a firstcompartment in an upper half of the hanging bag and a second compartmentin a lower half of the hanging bag. The first compartment in the upperhalf of the hanging bag comprises a fast acting deliquescent desiccantcomprising calcium chloride mixed with urea to activate quicker and showbrine formation faster. Alternatively, the first compartment maycomprise any combination of calcium chloride and one or more of urea,sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, and glucose and/or othercarbohydrates. There are broken seals, slots, or openings between thefirst compartment in the upper half and the second compartment in thelower half such that the desiccant can flow into the lower compartmentonce liquefied. An example of a hanging bag that may be used with thenovel compositions of the present invention is described incommonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,908, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety herein.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a multi-compartment hangingbag is provided. FIG. 1 is an illustration of a four-compartment hangingbag 100. An upper half of the hanging bag is divided into at least twoupper compartments 10A, 10B. A first upper compartment 10A comprises afast acting deliquescent desiccant 15A such as calcium chloride mixedwith 5% urea to activate quicker and show brine formation faster.Alternatively, first upper compartment 10A may comprise any combinationof calcium chloride and one or more of urea, sodium citrate, starch,citric acid, clay, and glucose and/or other carbohydrates. A secondupper compartment 10B comprises a long-lasting deliquescent desiccant15B comprising calcium chloride to provide longer lasting humiditycontrol extending the overall life of the product. The upper half of thehanging bag is divided from a lower half of the hanging bag. The lowerhalf may be divided into one or more lower compartments 20A, 20B. Thereare broken seals, slots, or openings 30 between the upper compartmentsand the lower compartments such that the desiccant can flow into thelower compartments once liquefied.

Preferably, a heat seal 40 is present down the center of the bag todivide the bag. Heat seal 40 allows for two separate compartments 10A,10B where various materials may be placed and also two separatecompartments 20A, 20B to retain separate moisture that is absorbed. Thebenefit of this four compartment system is the ability to make the fastacting side the consumer wants while retaining the long lasting featureof hanging bag 100. Giving the consumer the ability to see faster brineformation on one side of the bag shows the consumer that the bag isworking initially to remove moisture. Creating a fast acting and longlasting effect may be achieved by packaging or by chemical means.Variation in the type or amount of Tyvek (or other barriers) thatpermits air flow allows the control of incoming air. This configurationallows for control air flow contacting the CaCl₂ thus permitting us tohave a faster or slower formation of brine. Another area of manipulationis in the actual composition of the different sides of the pouch.Components including, but not limited to, urea, sodium citrate, starch,clay, citric acid, and glucose and/or other carbohydrates. Pressed CaCl₂tablets may also be present in one or more compartments of the hangingbag. Creating a mixture that is placed on the fast acting sidecontaining one or more of the mentioned above components allows theconsumer to see one side of the hanging bag working faster than theother.

EXAMPLES

There is a synergistic effect between the calcium chloride and at leasteach of urea, starch, citric acid, clay, and glucose as demonstrated bythe Examples.

Example—Additives and Acceleration of Brine Creation

Experiments were conducted with various additives to see how they wouldaffect the absorption rate of CaCl₂. Several pouches were made up withvarious substances (including clay and urea) with CaCl₂ to make a 10.5oz. pouch. The pouches (3⅞ inches wide×7.5 inches long, 1 inch sidegusset, ½ inch seal at bottom) were placed within a humidity chamberheld constant at 26° C. and 80% humidity. Visual observations were madeof the pouches. The pouch with urea (Univar, pellet, 46% nitrogen)turned into a brine faster than the other pouches. Urea did not show thegreatest weight gain over time even though it turned into a brinefaster. This was attributed to a 5 weight % to 10 weight % decrease inCaCl₂ within the pouch. Further experiments showed that urea had aneffect of faster brine formation.

Urea (Univar, pellet, 46% nitrogen) was added to CaCl₂ and tested withina two-compartment container. The container had a top basket where the 5lb. of CaCl₂ sat and a bottom container to catch brine produced from theCaCl₂ above. The experiment was conducted with a first two-compartmentcontainer holding 10% of its weight in urea and a second two-compartmentcontainer with only 5 lb. of CaCl₂. These two containers were placed ina humidity chamber and two additional containers were placed in astaircase/stairwell for a real-life simulation. Brine was created in an80/80 humidity chamber from the two-compartment container containing allCaCl₂) versus the two-compartment container containing CaCl₂ mixed with10 weight % urea. Results of the experiment showed that CaCl₂ containingurea in both the humidity chamber and the real-life setting (staircase)created brine faster than in the two-compartment container containingonly CaCl₂.

Brine formed in the container comprised only of CaCl₂ that was placed inthe humidity chamber but at a much slower rate than the one with 10%urea.

Brine formed in the container comprised of CaCl₂ and 10 weight % ureathat was placed in the humidity chamber at a faster rate than thecontainer with CaCl₂ alone.

Brine was formed in both the control (CaCl₂ containing no urea) in thehumidity chamber and the container with 10% urea in the humiditychamber. Recrystallization of the brine that had formed was seen in thecontainer that was the control (CaCl₂ containing no urea) in thehumidity chamber. The container with 10% urea in the humidity chamberweighed in with more brine weight and decreased basket weight than thecontainer that was the control (CaCl₂ containing no urea) in thehumidity chamber. The container with 10% urea also showed norecrystallization.

Next to help quantify this urea acceleration effect, the basketcontaining the solid CaCl₂ or CaCl₂/urea mixture was weighed separatelyover time after being held in these humidity conditions. This wascompared to the weight of the bottom basin over time which containedonly liquid brine. FIG. 2 illustrates the weight of the separatecompartments (basket only vs. basin only) in a building staircase insummer (Memphis, Tenn.). All trials were run in the staircase of thebuilding. The staircase was an uncontrolled, non-air conditioned areathat is subject to temperature and humidity changes throughout the day.The experiment was conducted in the staircase to simulate real lifefluctuations.

Urea creating brine faster was supported by data in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 wascompiled from data from the two containers placed within a staircase.They showed a significant difference in rate of weight lost from thebasket and gained by the bottom of the container.

In FIG. 2, the graph depicted the changes in weight of the separatecompartments (basin vs. basket) of a container. This showed thedifferent weight changes between the basket and the bottom of thecontainer in the presence and absence of 10 weight % urea. Visualevidence was observed throughout the experiment with urea forming abrine faster than a container without urea. Note the circles where thebasket weights and basin weights converge. This point was where thebasin weight exceeded the weight of the basket that holds the CaCl₂).The container with urea converges almost 300 hours before the containerwithout urea.

Further investigation led to plot of a graph of the slope versus thechange in time to see how the different states of CaCl₂) affected therate of brine formation in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 suggested that initialexposure to humidity displays the greatest slope (highest peak). Thiswas suggestive that CaCl₂ flakes initially gain weight rapidly. Adramatic decrease in the slope of weight gain was seen when the CaCl₂flakes had turned into a “brick” state (FIG. 3). The rate at whichmoisture was absorbed by CaCl₂ depended upon its surface area. There wasmore surface area when CaCl₂ was in its initial granular phase. Once theCaCl₂ turned into a “brick,” the surface area decreased. Another peakwas observed when the CaCl₂ was coming out of its “brick” state andforming a brine. This was also attributed to surface area. As brinestarted to form, it increased the surface area of the CaCl₂ to absorbmore moisture. This was where urea was believed to have turned from itsbrick state into its hybrid state faster. After brine formation began,the slopes show gradual decrease as CaCl₂ headed towards its maximumabsorption capacity into its brine state.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a plot of pouches (each 3⅞ inches wide×7.5inches long, 1 inch side gusset, ½ inch seal at bottom) containing CaCl₂with different amounts of urea and clay (Kaolin) showing change in slopeof weight gain (g) versus time (days)—tested within a humidity chamber.At day 9, most of the pouches had reached a brick state. The transitionto a 100% brine state occurred faster at day 16 for the pouch containing10 weight % urea. Also, the pouch with 5 weight % urea was 100% in itsbrine state at day 20. The pouch containing 5 weight % Kaolin reached a100% brine state at day 23. The control pouch containing no urea reacheda 100% brine state at day 29.

Example—Starch and Absorption Control

Starch was added to various pouches (each 3⅞ inches wide×7.5 incheslong, 1 inch side gusset, ½ inch seal at bottom) at differentconcentrations of starch. For this experiment, the pouches were made tocontain various compositions of starch at a set total weight of 10.5 oz.Initial data suggested that addition of lower levels of starch (5 weight%) surprisingly sped up the absorption rate of CaCl₂, as more brineseemed to appear faster than pouches containing straight CaCl₂. As shownin FIG. 5, pouches of CaCl₂ blended with different amounts of starchwere placed in an automobile in summer (Memphis, Tenn.). The 5 weight %starch value had higher weight gain than the control throughout most ofexperiment, up until the point where there was 100% liquid brine in thepouch. It was also noticed that when the pouches reached a 100% brinestate that the control pouch containing 10.5 oz. of CaCl₂ gained moreweight than pouches containing starch. This indicated that starch seemedto also lower the absorption rate when the liquid brine state wasreached. A slower absorption rate in this state prevented the pouch fromballooning and leaking, which had been seen in pouches containing onlyCaCl₂.

Thus, there is a synergistic effect with the urea and the starch suchthat the urea facilitates the formation of brine faster and starch slowsdown the rate of absorption when it has reached the 100% brine state.This is an advancement over pouches made with straight CaCl₂ thatcontinue to absorb moisture when CaCl₂ is at its 100% brine statecausing the pouch to essentially balloon and leak brine solution out ofthe pouch.

Example 4—Urea and Stabilization of Brine State

Another problem that was seen was the formation of stalagmite lookingstructures upon recrystallization of the CaCl₂ at lower humidity. Thisrecrystallization within the draining holes of the DampRid® FG91 product(having a two compartment system consisting of a basket where the CaCl₂flakes are placed and a bottom basin to catch the brine as the CaCl₂absorbs moisture from the environment) and the Aero 360, UniBond(Henkel) product caused unwanted leaking. The inability of the brine todrain in the basin led to pooling in the top compartment. If liquidstays in the top compartment and is shifted in anyway, brine pours outof the sides of the container. Urea eliminated the formation ofstalagmites after the brine state. Decreased formation of stalagmiteswas an important feature to prevent leaking within the containers.

Recrystallization was seen in the bottom of the Aero 360, UniBondproduct. There was clogging of the drain holes leading into thereservoir in the DampRid® product and the Aero 360, UniBond product. Thebrine was recrystallizing in the basin where it was a solid brick andcould not be poured out by the consumer. The basin could be turnedupside down and the brine was stuck within.

Example

Experiments were conducted with a DampRid® product (referred to hereinas FG01) having a two-compartment system. The product consisted of abasket where the CaCl₂ flakes are placed and a bottom basin to catch thebrine as the CaCl₂ absorbs moisture from the environment. Testing wasdone with consistent amounts of CaCl₂ kept at 10.5 oz. or 297.7 g ineach container. In each experiment, the total container (basket, basin,and lid) was weighed over time. The basket containing the CaCl₂ flakemixture and the basin catching the brine were weighed individually aswell. The separate compartment weights were taken to see how fast theflakes were attaching H₂O molecules to the CaCl₂ and turning intoliquid. As the CaCl₂ absorbs moisture the basket loses weight as thebrine releases to the basin of the container.

In initial experiments, five FG01 containers were placed in the humiditychamber kept at 80% humidity and 26° C. Each container contained 10.5oz. of CaCl₂ as well as 5% of a various other molecule. The fourmolecules tested in this specific experiment were urea, starch, salt,citric acid (a white crystalline solid commercially available from AlfaAesar), and a control containing only CaCl₂. Data was compiled, and theweight gain of the basin and the weight loss of the basket were analyzedgraphically (FIGS. 2 and 3).

In FIG. 4, FG01 data for the basin weight gain recorded from thehumidity chamber. Notice the different slopes in the initial weight gainof the basket between 20 and 40 hours (circle). Starch had the mostbrine formation initially. Citric acid showed the steepest initial slopewithin the first data points collected. Urea showed the steepest slopeafter some time had elapsed (circle between 60 and 80 hours). By 100hours urea, citric acid, and starch data points overlapped.

In FIG. 5, data recorded for the basket weight loss of an FG01 productwhen placed in the humidity chamber. Notice the initial weight losstrends. Starch and citric acid have a great initial weight loss from thebasket while the others have minimal weight loss. It is observed thatinitially the basket gains weight until CaCl₂ attaches enough H₂Omolecules from the environment to turn into its brine state. It isobserved that initially citric acid and starch started forming brine thefastest thus losing weight from the basket the fastest.

In FIG. 6, the initial peak of brine collected in the basin from thecitric acid FG01 is seen between 20 and 40 hours (circle). Then a peakis seen in the weight of the brine collected in the basin of the ureaFG01 at approximately 60 hours (red circle).

A second experiment was run in the same manner as experiment one. Thisexperiment included the addition of a glucose FG01 and the removal ofthe salt FG01.

In FIG. 7, FG01 data for the net basin weight gain recorded from thehumidity chamber. Notice the initial weight gain of the citric acidcontaining FG01 (circles) over the opposing containers. Then the brineformation seems to gain consistently throughout the rest of theexperiment until it levels off when the CaCl₂ is used up. The datadepicts glucose (dash) having an effect on the increase of brineformation within an FG01 in the beginning stages and then sharplydecreases in the amount of brine formation. Urea showed initially thelowest amount of weight gain in brine. However, by 140 hours it peaks atbrine formation. This data follows the same trend in the firstexperiment.

Observations were also made at the conclusion of the experiment on howmuch recrystallization occurred within the basin containing the brine.

The containers at the end of experiment one and the recrystallizationthat occurred in the basin were observed. It was noticed that container2, carbamide (urea), had significantly less recrystallization than theopposing FG01 containers.

The containers at the end of experiment two and the recrystallizationthat occurred in the basin were observed. It was noticed that containersholding 5% urea and 5% glucose presented less recrystallization at theconclusion of the experiment.

Example

FIGS. 8A and 8B are graphs from an evaluation of calcium chloridetablets containing starch in 80% humidity chamber depicting starch in acompressed tablet lasting longer than a pure calcium chloride tablet.Calcium chloride tablets containing starch were evaluated in a basketand basin product, in a 80F, 80% humidity chamber. Pure CaCl₂ tabletsturned all into brine around 75 hours while tablets containing starchturned are all into brine at around 160 hours. FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate starch in a compressed tablet lasting longer than a purecalcium chloride tablet. Thus, it was concluded that starch in a calciumchloride tablet slows down brine formation.

Table 1 has example formulations for tablets comprising CaCl₂, starchand urea in accordance with the present invention.

TABLE 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % CaCl₂ 99 98 96.5 94 93.5 99 10098.5 97 94.5 93 92.8 98.3 93.8 Urea 5 5 5 5 Tylose 1 2.5 5 1 1 2.5 5 1 1Mg 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Stearate Sipernat0.2 0.2 0.2 500 LS PEG 8000 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Lactose 0.5 Fragrance0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Note: weight % is based on weight % of tablet

Example

Experiments were conducted to show how urea affects recrystallization.Weights were taken of a basin collecting brine from CaCl₂ and variouspercentages of urea. These values were used to quantify the percentliquid brine formed versus how much recrystallization was occurringwithin the basin. FIG. 9 demonstrates that as the urea level isincreased, the percent weight in liquid brine increases. This displayshow urea prevents recrystallization of CaCl₂ brine.

Example

Table 2 has example compositions of tablets with approximate weights of175 grams.

TABLE 2 Component Weight % CaCl₂ 93.8 Urea 5 Mg Stearate 0.5 Sipernat500 LS 0.2 fragrance 0.5

Example

The following compositions of urea in the tablet were tested. Thecompositions were tested for optimizing urea level in the 175-gramtablet.

TABLE 3 Component I II III IV V VI VII VIII % CaCl₂ 88.5 78.5 68.5 58.592.5 85.5 83.5 48.5 Urea 15 20 30 40 5 10 10 50 Starch D 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1Mg Stearate 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Blue 0 0 0 0 1 3 5 0Carbonate

It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in theart that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility andapplication. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present inventionother than those herein described, as well as many variations,modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from orreasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoingdescription thereof, without departing from the substance or scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has beendescribed herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, itis to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative andexemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes ofproviding a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoingdisclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the presentinvention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments,adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising: a deliquescentdesiccant, and a component selected from the group consisting of urea,sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, other carbohydrates,carbohydrate encapsulated fragrance, and a combination thereof.
 2. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the deliquescent desiccant isselected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, magnesiumchloride, potassium chloride, lithium chloride, and a combinationthereof.
 3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein calciumchloride is present in the composition at an amount greater than 20weight percent of the composition.
 4. The composition according to claim2, wherein calcium chloride is present in the composition in an amountin a range of 50 weight percent to 97 weight percent of the composition.5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is inthe form of a granular, a pellet, a powder, or a flake mixture.
 6. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is in the formof a pressed tablet.
 7. A composition comprising: a deliquescentdesiccant, and urea.
 8. The composition according to claim 7, whereinthe deliquescent desiccant is selected from the group consisting ofcalcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, lithiumchloride, and a combination thereof.
 9. The composition according toclaim 7, further comprising: a component selected from the groupconsisting of sodium citrate, starch, citric acid, clay, glucose, othercarbohydrates, carbohydrate encapsulated fragrance, and a combinationthereof.
 10. The composition according to claim 8, wherein calciumchloride is present in the composition in an amount greater than 20weight percent of the composition.
 11. The composition according toclaim 8, wherein calcium chloride is present in the composition in anamount in a range of 50 weight % to 97 weight % of the composition. 12.The composition according to claim 7, wherein urea is present in thecomposition in an amount of up to 50 weight percent of the composition.13. The composition according to claim 7, wherein urea is present in thecomposition in an amount in a range of 1 weight percent to 50 weightpercent of the composition.
 14. The composition according to claim 7,wherein the composition is in the form of a granular, a pellet, apowder, or a flake mixture.
 15. The composition according to claim 7,wherein the composition is in the form of a pressed tablet.
 16. Thecomposition according to claim 7, wherein the urea is present in thecomposition in an amount in a range of about 1 weight percent to about50 weight present of the composition.
 17. The composition according toclaim 9, wherein the starch is present in the composition at an amountin a range of about 1 weight percent to 50 weight percent of thecomposition.
 18. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the clayis present in the composition at an amount in a range of about 1 weightpercent to 10 weight percent of the composition.
 19. The compositionaccording to claim 7, further comprising fragrance, starch encapsulatedfragrance, fragrance beads, carbohydrate encapsulated fragrance, or acombination thereof.
 20. A method of using comprising: adding acomposition comprised of a deliquescent desiccant and urea to adehumidifying device to increase rate of brine formation.
 21. The methodof using according to claim 20, wherein the deliquescent desiccant isselected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, magnesiumchloride, potassium chloride, lithium chloride, and a combinationthereof.
 22. A method of using comprising: adding a compositioncomprised of a deliquescent desiccant and urea to a dehumidifying deviceto prevent brine from recrystallizing with decreasing humidityconditions.
 23. The method of using according to claim 22, wherein thedeliquescent desiccant is selected from the group consisting of calciumchloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium chloride, anda combination thereof.
 24. A dehumidifying device comprising: acomposition comprised of a deliquescent desiccant, urea, and an optionalcomponent selected from the group consisting of sodium citrate, starch,citric acid, clay, glucose, other carbohydrates, carbohydrateencapsulated fragrance and a combination thereof.
 25. The dehumidifyingdevice according to claim 24, wherein the deliquescent desiccant isselected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, magnesiumchloride, potassium chloride, lithium chloride, and a combinationthereof.
 26. The dehumidifying device according to claim 24, wherein thedehumidifying device is in a form of a pouch, hanging bag, or container.27. The dehumidifying device according to claim 26, wherein the hangingbag is a multi-compartment hanging bag having an upper half and a lowerhalf.
 28. The dehumidifying device according to claim 27, wherein themulti-compartment hanging bag has two or more compartments.
 29. Thedehumidifying device according to claim 24, wherein the composition ispresent in the upper half of the hanging bag.